OP: The Flame Pillar Of Justice

"I just wanted to rest… Hina is annoyed."

"Same here. A summons from a Vice Admiral out of nowhere wasn't on my to-do list."

Two Marine Captains, each commanding three warships, arrived at Whiskey Peak.

After a report was submitted stating that "approximately 1,800 criminals had been secured," a request for reinforcements to Whiskey Peak was immediately issued under Vice Admiral Rengoku's name.

Since Whiskey Peak was nearest to their position, Captains Hina and Smoker were the first to respond.

Even with six ships, it would be difficult to detain all 1,800 criminals, so Marine HQ had arranged for prison transports to be dispatched from the nearest bases. But given the number involved, it was deemed necessary for the two Captains to arrive and take command of the situation directly.

"Justice!"

Prinprin saluted the approaching Hina and Smoker.

"So these guys passed out all over the place are the criminals?" Smoker asked, eyeing the bodies of Baroque Works' Millions scattered across the ground—so many that he would practically trip over them just walking.

"Yes, sir!" Prinprin answered.

"I've never seen this many criminals in one place," said a young-faced marine standing beside Smoker—Sergeant Bartel, his aide.

"You'll see plenty more whether you want to or not. Get to work cuffing them."

"Yes, sir!"

Sergeant Bartel led the Marines from Smoker's ship and began handcuffing the unconscious members of Baroque Works one by one.

"Hmph, your new aide seems at least halfway competent. Hina is jealous."

"You're just saying that."

While the two Captains and their subordinates rounded up the criminals, Rengoku appeared, leading Vivi alongside him.

"Justice!"

At Rengoku's arrival, all the Marines—Hina and Smoker included—immediately stopped what they were doing to salute him.

"Good work, everyone," Rengoku said.

"These guys are small fry, sure," Smoker grumbled, "but don't you think there's a bit too many of them? Spare a thought for our troops' stamina."

"Haha! My bad! But hey, it's a golden opportunity to wipe out the entire organization, isn't it?"

"Hah… you've got a point, I guess."

Meanwhile, Hina turned her attention to Vivi.

"And who's this, Rengoku? The boss of all these criminals?"

"She's a Frontier Agent of Baroque Works—Crocodile's secret crime syndicate—and also a Princess of the Kingdom of Alabasta, now Third-Class Private Nefeltari Vivi!"

"Wait, hold on—what kind of intro is that? Hina is confused."

"I'll submit a full report to you shortly, Captain Hina," Tashigi interjected.

Tashigi then succinctly briefed Captains Hina and Smoker—from Baroque Works' hidden crimes to the state of crisis in Alabasta, Prince Mamba's armed resistance movement, and finally, Princess Vivi's reason for enlisting in the Navy.

"A full-on war with one of the Four Emperors, just to abolish the Warlord system… Rengoku, I understand your ideals, but you of all people should know—that's no easy feat."

"Well, still," Hina said, nodding. "If it's a promise from the man closest to becoming the next Fleet Admiral, Hina approves."

"Yeah, yeah... What choice do we have?" Smoker sighed. "So what now, Rengoku? You heading straight to Marineford to start a war?"

Rengoku nodded at Smoker's question.

"Yes, but before that, there's one more place I need to visit. That's why I'd like to entrust Private Third Class Vivi to you for a while, Captain Hina."

"Why me? Hina's annoyed."

"Because where I'm headed is too dangerous for a new recruit. And honestly, between you and Smoker, I judged you more suited to take care of her."

"Oi oi, what's that supposed to mean…"

"Haha, well if that's the case, then Hina is very pleased," she said, smirking openly now that her fellow classmate had taken a hit to the ego.

"…Sigh."

"By the way, Captain Smoker—did you bring the item I asked for?"

Rengoku was referring to something he had requested earlier when transferring the corrupt Branch Captain Nezumi and some pirates from Loguetown into Smoker's custody.

"Oh, this?" Smoker dug through his bag, pulling out a bundle wrapped tightly in cloth. Even without unwrapping it, it was clearly a sword.

"Thanks for bringing it."

"Thanks? You're the one who paid for it, and it's registered in your name."

Taking the wrapped sword, Rengoku immediately handed it to Tashigi.

"Lieutenant Tashigi, earlier among the Frontier Agents—didn't we find another sword?"

"Yes, sir! It was one of the 50 Skillful Grade Swords—Kashu"

"Good. Pack that one together with this one."

"Yes, sir!"

It was the perfect task for Tashigi—a die-hard sword enthusiast.

"Alright then, Private Third Class Princess—you're coming aboard our ship for now," Hina said, glancing over at Vivi.

With that, everyone began returning to their respective ships, leaving only Rengoku and Smoker behind.

Smoker took a long drag from the cigar in his mouth, exhaled heavily, then turned to Rengoku with a questioning look.

"…So, what's your next destination?"

"The Kingdom of Alabasta," Rengoku replied.

"You're not planning to suddenly assassinate Crocodile, are you? That'd be ridiculous. So what's your real objective?"

In response, Rengoku pulled out a wanted poster and held it up for Smoker to see.

"This guy…"

"Portgas D. Ace—Bounty: 550 million Berries. Second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. I've received intel that he's currently in Alabasta."

Smoker's eyes narrowed. "You're not seriously thinking of using him as bait to draw out Whitebeard, are you? He may be old, but he's still one of the Four Emperors."

Smoker let out a scoff and crouched down, using an unconscious Millions agent as a makeshift stool.

"Big Mom or Kaido might be manageable in comparison, but Whitebeard? Even the Navy considers him a walking natural disaster. You know that, right?"

"There's a reason it has to be Portgas D. Ace," Rengoku said calmly. "I can't go into detail yet—but when the time comes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself will explain everything."

"What's next? You're going to tell me Fire Fist is secretly Whitebeard's biological son? Like… Edward D. Ace or something?"

"Unfortunately, I can't confirm or deny anything without securing him first," Rengoku said, voice firm. "But you'll know the truth soon enough."

"Insane… utterly insane. Just hope you're ready to take responsibility for this mess."

"You don't need to worry—I've accounted for every possibility."

"Sure, sure… Meanwhile, I guess I'd better start training. At this rate, war might break out before we know it."

Smoker grumbled as he pulled his coat tighter.

"As a Marine, constant training should be second nature," Rengoku replied. "Now that I think of it, your coordination between Haki and your Devil Fruit powers is still lacking. After I secure Fire Fist, why don't you train with me?"

"Ugh, do you have to bring that up every time we meet?"

"The jitte you use has a lot in common with swordsmanship. I could teach you a few things. I'd really like for you to come train with me."

"I'll… think about it. Yeah..."

Smoker's face twisted into an annoyed grimace as Rengoku's unrelenting enthusiasm bore down on him.

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